NEP & Foreign Universities in India

The New Education Policy has brought about tremendous changes in the Indian educational scenario. Long gap of 34 years in upgrading the education sector has made the Indian education system redundant. The introduction of multidisciplinary studies, emphasis on vocational education, changing the structure of primary education, extensive use of technology in education etc., are some of the changes that have been made in the new education policy. Effective implementation of these changes will revamp the Indian education scenario and may lead India to become a knowledge hub of the world.

One of the significant changes that have been brought about by the new education policy is the setting up of eminent foreign educational institutes in India. Though the government has not yet laid down proper guidelines on this aspect but this move can have tremendous positive impact on the Indian education system.

India has a massive student population and despite the presence of large number of higher institutes, the quality of education has been inadequate. The UNDP Report 2018 states that only 47 % of the graduates in India are employable. The better quality of education provided by foreign universities can be seen from the Quacquerelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings which are dominated by universities from the United States of America (USA) and Europe. While China has three universities among the top 50, none of the Indian universities have made it to the top 100 list.  The lack of quality education has compelled many students to opt for foreign institutions abroad. India is second only to China in the number of students flying abroad for an international degree. As per the report released by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2019, 753,000 Indian students were studying abroad which results in total outflows of 40,000 crores per year. This outflow can be minimised if Indian students are given an opportunity to study in India itself by establishing branches of reputed foreign institutions within the country. It will also provide ample avenues for students to remain in their home country and have quality education. Not only the students but also academicians will benefit from it. There are several reputed teachers and professors who are choosing to leave the country to teach abroad. This will help in preventing brain drain and in the long run the country will benefit from retaining its talent and utilize them for its own growth and development.

One of the greatest advantages of the entry of foreign universities into India is in the area of research.  In order to maintain their high standards, they constantly carry out quality research. Foreign institutes will, therefore, stimulate research and development in the country providing opportunities to talented professors and researchers to work in a better research culture.  This would also provide many exciting opportunities for students to explore. The enhanced quality of research would also benefit the government in shaping their policies.

An additional impact of the entry of foreign universities would lead to an element of competition in the higher education sector. Foreign universities will vie with existing universities to attract quality researchers, professors, and students. In order to compete effectively with the foreign universities for industry projects, talented students and faculty, the Indian universities will be motivated to raise their own standards. Such a healthy competition can help improve the overall quality of education in universities.

Having a physical presence in the country, the foreign institutes can collaborate frequently with Indian institutes by way of knowledge sharing and other partnerships. This would aid the Indian institutes in enhancing their potential. Besides these institutions would provide courses and research in some specific fields like sports management, sports psychology, sports medicine, etc., which have not yet come up fully in India. This might even encourage local institutions to develop better courses.

The Government can also expect students from neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan as also from West Asia and Africa come to the campuses of foreign universities in India rather than travel to the West.

The setting up of foreign institutes will also benefit the employment sector. Both the educated as well as the non educated segment of the country will have opportunities of employment.

By staying in the home country and getting the same high quality education for lesser money, the entry of foreign universities in India will be beneficial to the entire nation. Also, the cultural and social values of the country remain unchanged which has a higher chance of distortion when one goes out.